Sobeys is taking strides to protect workers and shoppers by installing plexiglass barriers in stores across Canada.

The Canadian supermarket chain will place the barriers — made from large sheets of shatter-resistant glass — at every Sobeys check-out in an attempt to encourage social distancing.

Installation began on Thursday.

The latest from our President & CEO, Michael Medline, on the series of additional steps we're taking to further enhance safety measures in our stores. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/TRe4e22QA8

— Sobeys (@sobeys) March 20, 2020

CEO Michael Medline said "throughout this very difficult time, the health and safety of our customers and teammates remains our top priority."

"We understand we are an essential service to all Canadians, and we want you to know that we are doing everything in our power to maintain our stores to the highest standard of cleanlineness and safety," he continued

"Together, we will all get through this."

Sobeys will also change its operating hours in order to give exhausted employees extra time to sanitize the store and take a well-deserved break.

The health and wellness of our teammates and customers remains our very top priority. In our effort to do everything we can to help keep our communities healthy, as of Friday March 20, we are temporarily changing our store hours to 8:00AM – 8:00PM daily. pic.twitter.com/dlu8bVIIJv

— Sobeys (@sobeys) March 19, 2020

The company's stores will also devote their first hour of operations to seniors and other vulnerable shoppers.

Canadian grocery stores continue to reassure shoppers that supply chains will not be interrupted, and stock will be consistently replenished in the coming weeks.